Charities pay tribute to ‘unsung hero’ volunteers

Volunteers in Reading are being celebrated as part of National Volunteers Week.

It runs until Monday and has prompted many of the town’s charities to highlight how much they appreciate their helpers.

The Meningitis Trust has issued a thank you to its volunteers and highlighted the work of Eleanor Cheetle from Caversham Park Village who fundraises for the charity.

She got involved 11 years ago after her eldest son Oliver fell ill with meningitis at just 16 months old. It left him profoundly deaf.

She said: “It was a huge shock, it’s every parent’s worst nightmare. I contacted the trust and spoke to their helpline to get information and they were amazing. It made me want to do something to help them.”

Since then she has raised £2,500 by taking part in the Henley Half Marathon and she also holds annual coffee mornings and is considering a parachute jump.

David Glover has been recognised for 30 years of volunteering with the RSPB.

David, 58, who lives in Burghfield, initially took part in a voluntary project in Dorset in 1980 and later joined the Reading group. He was group leader from 1997 to 2008.

Regional director Chris Corrigan presented him with his badge for 30 years’ service in May.

Mr Glover said: “I have visited over 50 RSPB nature reserves and the best thing is always the birds. It is satisfying to feel one can give a little back to a hobby that is so rewarding.”

The Breast Cancer Campaign is hoping to attract volunteers for its Paint the Town Pink event in October.

It is The Oracle shopping centre’s charity of the yYear and has several roles available.

Community development manager Lauren Baskett said: “If you’re able to spare a bit of free time and want to support a good cause, sign up and help make a difference for the 46,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.”

- An exhibition on volunteers will be launched by a Reading-based photographer on Friday at RISC in London Street.

Salvo Toscano launches The Passion of the Volunteer to celebrate the work people normally see very little of.

Black and white portraits have been made with personal statements. Once launched, the exhibition runs throughout June in the Global Café.